Do Your Feet Need Washing? John13:1-11

The Upper Room discourse described in John 13-17 included a meal that Jesus shared with his Disciples. I have always read this and assumed that the meal was the Seder of Passover, but John 13:1 clearly states that this was before the Passover.  Perhaps Passover was on Friday, the day of the Crucifixion, but there are questions about that too. Jesus stated that he would be in the grave for three days and three nights. Using Thursday as the day of the Crucifixion would give the right time estimate with Sunday as the Day of the Resurrection.

John does not give the same details the synoptic gospels do of the supper. John refers to the meal and immediately describes the preparation for washing of their feet. I find it very helpful to recall the eating customs of the time. 

They reclined on couches leaning on the left elbow and extending their feet. This position made the foot-washing convenient and much less disturbing to the guests who were eating than sitting at a table would have been.  Jesus’ position was no longer the host and master but that of an obedient servant.

Nobody commented on this ceremony but Peter. His interchange with Jesus seems to be almost a rebuke to the Lord. First, he doesn't want Jesus to undertake this menial duty, but then he requests that he wash his hands and face too. Jesus corrects both these attitudes. 

This washing symbolizes daily communion with Jesus. Peter needed to go to Jesus for help, strength, and forgiveness whenever he was exposed to contact with the world, and Jesus offers us this constant refreshing.  

On a continuing and constant basis, Christians are invited to seek Jesus for forgiveness and encouragement in daily life and ministry.  We are to remain always yielded and humble. 

Peter seems to have thought he was above needing this service, but Jesus told him there was more to this than Peter understood at the time.

 Jesus had foreknowledge, but He did not control people’s behavior.  He knew Judas had would betray Him, but he did not interrupt the plan Judas had made. 

He proceeded with the foot washing and did not exclude Judas. I wonder what Judas’ emotions were at this critical time. Did he agonize when Jesus performed the humble task of cleaning his feet? Did he recognize this as an opportunity to repent? Or was his heart hardened to the path he had chosen?

Jesus in the Upper Room discourse spoke urgently to the disciples emphasizing the importance of this last chance at teaching them before the Crucifixion because He knew they would be scattered and their faith would be tested. 

He was very tense as shown in his language.  His speech was urgent and stressful.  He wanted to be sure they were committed to Him, but that was yet to be seen.  His nature was compassionate, but his need was immediate.  There was no Plan B.  If this was not successful, salvation would never happen.

Controversy about Jesus

Jesus grew up without any special treatment, neither wealthy nor prestigous.  He appeared to be a common man.  He was not a sports celebrity or an actor or a singer.  Crowds followed him for a while, but when he explained the scope of his ministry, most of them turned away.  John 8:3-6 describes one attempt by the Pharisees to catch him in a trap.  They hoped to prove that he did not obey the Jewish law and, thereby, prove him a false prophet.  A woman taken in the act of adultery was brought to him, but he did not condemn her; however, no one took up stones to cast at her.  They went away when he called for the one who had not sinned to charge her and no one stepped up.

Further controversy came when he healed a man born blind on the sabbath day.  Then in chapter 11 he raised Lazarus from the dead.  These miracles caused a problem for the Pharisees because many people were believing in him and they risked loss of authority if they challenged him.  Jesus retreated into the land of Ephraim so as not to increase the controversy, but when it came time for the Passover he went to Jerusalem.  Some translations say "he set his face as a flint that he would go to Jerusalem."  He was determined that he would not be swayed from this.  He knew what awaited him, but it was his mission.

The crowds followed him because of his teachings and his healings.  He was gracious and kind.  He also pointed out the places where the traditions and customs were wrong.  He called poeple to obey the spirit of the law not the letter.  He taught faith and love.  He said, "...believe in me and in my Father who sent me."  He said, "I have come that you might have abundant life."  

It seems odd that these simple and elegant teachings were the reason for his death.  It was a little deeper than that.  He said he was equal to God, that he and the Father were One.  The Pharisees and the rulers of the Temple couldn't let that pass, so they found a way to get the Romans to execute him.  Then they had multitudes of people, ordinary people, spreading the news all over the known world that Jesus was the Savior.  They are still doing it.  I pray that the people who might read this, believe in him and spread the word, too.  He is still saving people from their sins and giving the same quality of abundant life to all those who believe in him.

Try it.  You might like it.

Jesus Was Distressed

A lot of people seem to think that Jesus, since he was the Son of God, knew everything and could not have had any problems.  He was above the day-to-day struggles we face, and he knew the outcome.  He had a close, continuous communication with his Father, and he was assured of a place in heaven.

Well, lets take another look at this.  I think he had all the same kinds of problems I do.  The Apostle Paul said that no temptation has come upon you but those that are common to man, and Jesus faced more than that.  If having fears and distress and depression is a temptation, I think Jesus faced it.  What good is the victory that does not overcome everything?

Chapters 13-17 in the Book of John reveal the most human emotions Jesus displays.  John 13:21 says that Jesus "was troubled in his spirit(KJV)."  I try not to over interpret or analyze a verse, but that means more than a passing annoyance to me.  It was not the raise of an eyebrow; it was a deeply invasive concern.  Jesus' countenance revealed his agony.  They all saw it.  Even though the book of John was not written until thirty or forty years later, his distress was prominent enough for John to remember and comment on it.  How does this statement affect you?